There are many different NPC characters within the wild world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons but none quite like Tom Nook. The Nintendo franchise has had a rise in popularity after the release of the newest version of the game in 2020.
Tom Nook returns in the new game with a new role and the same bell hungry attitude. Now, founder of Nook Inc. and head of resident services, Tom Nook is the raccoon that gets things done on the islands in New Horizons. Although he has been known to ruffle some players' feathers with his constant pushing of pricey renovations and upgrades to island homes, Tom Nook provides some truly funny moments during gameplay.
"Meanwhile, I'll Investigate These Orange-Like Items Growing In The Trees. I Suspect They're Real Oranges!"
Tom Nook delivers the majority of his hilarious quotes during the first couple of hours of gameplay. When players first arrive on their island in New Horizons they must complete a series of tasks to move the game forward. As Tom encourages players to gather resources on the island he too puts in some work. However, this quote may lose some of its humor if a player's island doesn't have oranges as its natural fruit.
"I'm Quite Glad That I'll Be Sharing This Desolate Island With Such A Hard Worker, Oho!"
After a player proves their usefulness on day one to Tom Nook he'll compliment your work. His cheery demeanor and persuasive ways make it difficult not to complete all the tasks Tom asks of players.
This quote if nothing else is purely ironic because as fans of the game know, it's a player's hard work that fuels the livelihood of an island.
"I Suppose It Was A Bit More Than A Nap Wasn't it? It's A Brand New Day!"
After the first big day on the island, players wake to find Tom Nook waiting for them outside of their tents. Tom jokingly asks if players have enjoyed their nap. It's obvious that Tom likes to be in the know of all the island residents but more importantly, he likes to be in the know of all the island finances. His interest in bells has resonated with fans so much that even Grammy-award winning musicians like T-Pain have written songs about Tom Nook.
"Have You Ever Used A Smart Phone Before?"
Players receive their Nook phone at the beginning of the game and the moment when Tom gives it will cause them to chuckle. Tom is so confident in the capabilities of the Nook phone he even claims that players will find it more useful than the one they already have. Fans of the game might agree with Tom after they become obsessed with their own island.
"It's Funny How Cozy Doesn't Always Mean 'Comfortable' Hm?"
This quote from Tom Nook uses his classic 'hm?' to end his rhetorical question. In this instance, Tom is referring to the cozy resident services tent. At this point in the game, the resident services are still quite basic.
Over the years Tom Nook has provided a variety of different services in the gameplay. Fans new to the Animal Crossing series may be surprised to find out that he wasn't always in charge of resident services.
"It's Your Itemized Bill!"
After Tom has given out the Nook phone he then proceeds to give players one more thing. Surprisingly it is not a useful tool for gathering resources on the island nor is it sturdy lodging. The last item Tom Nook has to give is the bill which includes airfare and all other fees related to moving to the island. It is a comical moment that is shared in many game walkthroughs.
"Bringing Your Grand Total To The Modest Sum of 49,800 Bells."
After Tom hands players the bill he graciously states the total out loud. This is a moment where Tom's tongue in cheek delivery of the total foreshadows the endless bells fans will surely spend in future gameplay. It's moments like this in the game that don't make it a surprise that Tom Nook isn't the most popular character on an island. Some villagers have even voiced their frustration with Tom Nook's business model.
"Not Strictly Advisable From A Business Perspective, But Quite Generous. Yes yes!"
It is plain to see that Nook Inc. is a family business. Tom Nook not only sells island getaways, but he also has two sons named Tommy and Timmy who have a knack for stacking bells just like their father.
As Tom explains his son's business model he spares a moment to critique it. Tommy and Timmy's items for bells policy is the saving grace of the Nook empire. Although there isn't a Mrs. Nook there is some interesting backstory around Tom and Sable.
"But We Don't Do Things Because They Are Easy Hm? We Do Them Because They Are Profitable."
Tom gives this golden nugget of wisdom after another one of his labor heavy requests. His doing things, because they are profitable, is a cornerstone of Tom Nook's world and fans love it. The game is currently on track to become the best selling game for the Nintendo Switch. The game has sold over 30 million units. Despite the constant online chatter about Tom's greedy ways, the fandom continues to grow.
"Whoa, whoa...WHOA!"
One of Tom Nook's most endearing moments is his complete and total freakout over K.K. Slider. Once players have received 3-star reviews for their island they are rewarded with a visit from the musical sensation K.K. Slider. Over the course of gameplay, Tom Nook will make it very evident that he is a huge fan of K.K. when he finally has the opportunity to invite K.K. to the island he goes through a series of reactions that are truly cute and hilarious. In this photo, a YouTuber has created a walkthrough of the interaction.